Detroit Tigers, Alice Cooper, and aliens — Freep Film Festival returns for year six with more than 100 events

An elephant never forgets — and neither do we, especially when it comes to former Gov. Rick Snyder, who dissolved Michigan’s booming film incentive program in 2015. Despite his legislative meddling, Michigan continues to put a spotlight on independent film any chance that it gets (including the Ann Arbor Film Festival, which was recently named the best independent film fest in the country, no big deal). Not to be overshadowed is the annual Freep Film Festival.

Now in its sixth year, the documentary-focused fest will feature a selection of rock docs (Boy Howdy!: The Story of Creem Magazine, Miles Davis: Birth of The Cool, The Show’s The Thing: The Legendary Promoters of Rock, and the 35th anniversary of This Is Spinal Tap), local interest stories (Midnight in Paris, The Unafraid, Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary), and truly unique tales like those found in Hail Satan?, Instant Dreams, and Bob Lazar: Area 51 & Flying Saucers. In addition to screenings, the festival will host panel discussions, music events, and parties.


The Freep Film Festival opening night screening begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10 at the Fillmore and runs through Sunday, April 14; 2545 Woodward Ave., Detroit; freepfilmfestival.com. Single screening tickets cost $10-$12, festival passes start at $175.

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